Google Docs is a cloud-based application used to create and store files online. This tool/app is accessible on a desktop, smartphone, or tablet as long as you have the capability of Internet access. Google Docs allows the user to create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and drawings. All of the files created on Google Docs are automatically saved. Users also have the option to organize their files into folders. Folders can be color coordinated to fit organizational needs. Google Docs allows allows a user to share any files with other users that have Google Docs accounts. Google Docs also gives the account holder an email account. Because of this, you have the option to be alerted to when someone shares a file with you.
Google Docs can be downloaded onto your desktop/laptop. This is a very common platform for using this version of the app. I think using Google Docs on a desktop/laptop is more user friendly. You can easily manipulate the basic function of font size and type, bold, italics, underline, etc. It is also very easy to insert image files, links, and tables into documents.
Google Docs can also be downloaded as an app to your smartphone or tablet. However, this function does not have as many options. You can only create documents, spreadsheets, and folders. You can upload photos. And you can share files. With the document function, you are able to change basic font functions. That same goes for spreadsheets. This app is perfect is you are only going to be using documents and spreadsheets. As with many apps, you do not get the full functionality as with the desktop/laptop version, but it is a good app for the functions it delivers.
Benefits of Tool or App
Cloud-Based Technology (No hard drive needed to store data).
Saving is automatic; As you are creating your files, Google Docs updates and saves automatically every few seconds.
Accessible wherever there is the ability to access internet.
Accessible on tablets, smartphones, and computers (desktop/laptop)
Ease of collaboration with others.
Constraints of Tool or App
Not accessible if no ability to access internet.
Storage in not unlimited.
Can only send files to one user at a time.
Cannot create 'contact list' groups to share files with multiple users.
Converting Microsoft Word Applications to Google Docs changes the formatting of the files.
How To Use Tool or App
Download App for iOS App Store. (Google Drive is the name of the App)
When you open the App, it will prompt you to sign into your Google Account. (Having a Google Drive account is a prerequisite for the Google Drive App.)
The most used functions, in my opinion, are documents and forums. I will explain how to create a document using the desktop/laptop version and the app. I will also explain the basics of creating a form.
Document - Desktop/Laptop
1. From the home page from Google Docs, at the upper left-hand side of the page, there is a red box that says 'create.' Click the word 'create.' This will give you the option to choose what type of file you want to create. Click 'document.' Your new document will open up into a new tab.
2. Title your document by clicking 'Untitled Document' in the upper left-hand corner. A box will pop up and gives you the option to change the title. Click okay when done.
3. This works almost the same as Microsoft Word. You will be able to manipulate your document in much the same way as Word.
4. Your document automatically saves the moment you create it and as you type into your document it will save every few seconds. This relieves some of the pressure to constantly having to save.
5. At any time you can close this tab. Your document will show up on your home page called 'My Drive.' You can open this document at anytime and continue working on it.
6. If you want to delete your file, from the home page, simply check the box to the left of your document, then on the top row of tabs, click the trashcan. Your file has now been deleted.
Forum - Desktop/Laptop
1. From the home page from Google Docs, at the upper left-hand side of the page, there is a red box that says 'create.' Click the word 'create.' This will give you the option to choose what type of file you want to create. Click 'form.' Your new form will open up into a new tab.
2. The first box of the form is the the title of your form. Click this box and change the name of your form.
3. The second box of the form allows you to add any additional information about this form.
4. Now it is time to make your form. You have the option to create 7 types of questions. They are: Text, Paragraph Text, Multiple Choice, Check Boxes, Choose From A List, Scale, and Grid.
5. Select the Question Type you want. The most common types are Text and Multiple Choice. The section called 'Question Title' is where you put the question you want asked. If this question has to be answered for your form, make sure you check the box that says 'Make this a required question.'
6. To add a question, click the Add Item tab in the upper left-hand corner, or move your cursor the white area below the vanilla section where you created your question, and three boxes pop up. The pencil will create a new blank question template for you. The trashcan will delete a question and the overlapping squares will duplicate the type of question you have made.
7. Once you have finished making your questions, click SAVE in the top right-hand corner.
8. Then, click the published form link at the bottom of the page. This will bring you to the live form. Copy and paste the URL where you would like your form to be posted so that users can click the link and take the form.
9. Your form will be located on your home page. Click the form to see the results!
Document - Tablet Version
1. Open the App. (Sign-in if necessary)
2. From home screen, in the upper right-hand corner, click the '+' sign.
3. Click 'New Document.'
4. Title your document.
5. You an now manipulate the document much like using the desktop/laptop version.
6. Once you are finished, click DONE in the upper left-hand part of the screen. Then click close to go to your home screen.
7. From the home screen, the right of your document, click the arrow. Then click the '+' to give someone access to this file.
8. Type the email address of whom you want to have access.
9. You now know the basics of the Documents and Forms!!!!
Original Artifact of Tool or App (created by someone in your house)
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Classroom Uses for Tool or App
Student Uses
Students can create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, drawings that is cloud-based.
Students can collaborate on assignments/projects together, in real-time.
Students can store and save their work instantly.
Students can access Google Docs anywhere with the ability to access the internet with computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Students can create folders to better organize their files for papers, notes, presentations, forms, and spreadsheets. (Folders can be shared)
Teacher Uses
Teachers can create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and drawings that are cloud-based.
Teachers can share documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and drawings with students.
Teachers can create folders to organize files.
Teachers can 'drop' files into student shared folders for students to manipulate/edit/complete.
Teachers can edit students work in real-time and attach comments for students to review so they can edit their assignments.
Description of Tool or App
Google Docs is a cloud-based application used to create and store files online. This tool/app is accessible on a desktop, smartphone, or tablet as long as you have the capability of Internet access. Google Docs allows the user to create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and drawings. All of the files created on Google Docs are automatically saved. Users also have the option to organize their files into folders. Folders can be color coordinated to fit organizational needs. Google Docs allows allows a user to share any files with other users that have Google Docs accounts. Google Docs also gives the account holder an email account. Because of this, you have the option to be alerted to when someone shares a file with you.
Google Docs can be downloaded onto your desktop/laptop. This is a very common platform for using this version of the app. I think using Google Docs on a desktop/laptop is more user friendly. You can easily manipulate the basic function of font size and type, bold, italics, underline, etc. It is also very easy to insert image files, links, and tables into documents.
Google Docs can also be downloaded as an app to your smartphone or tablet. However, this function does not have as many options. You can only create documents, spreadsheets, and folders. You can upload photos. And you can share files. With the document function, you are able to change basic font functions. That same goes for spreadsheets. This app is perfect is you are only going to be using documents and spreadsheets. As with many apps, you do not get the full functionality as with the desktop/laptop version, but it is a good app for the functions it delivers.
Benefits of Tool or App
Constraints of Tool or App
How To Use Tool or App
The most used functions, in my opinion, are documents and forums. I will explain how to create a document using the desktop/laptop version and the app. I will also explain the basics of creating a form.
Document - Desktop/Laptop
1. From the home page from Google Docs, at the upper left-hand side of the page, there is a red box that says 'create.' Click the word 'create.' This will give you the option to choose what type of file you want to create. Click 'document.' Your new document will open up into a new tab.
2. Title your document by clicking 'Untitled Document' in the upper left-hand corner. A box will pop up and gives you the option to change the title. Click okay when done.
3. This works almost the same as Microsoft Word. You will be able to manipulate your document in much the same way as Word.
4. Your document automatically saves the moment you create it and as you type into your document it will save every few seconds. This relieves some of the pressure to constantly having to save.
5. At any time you can close this tab. Your document will show up on your home page called 'My Drive.' You can open this document at anytime and continue working on it.
6. If you want to delete your file, from the home page, simply check the box to the left of your document, then on the top row of tabs, click the trashcan. Your file has now been deleted.
Forum - Desktop/Laptop
1. From the home page from Google Docs, at the upper left-hand side of the page, there is a red box that says 'create.' Click the word 'create.' This will give you the option to choose what type of file you want to create. Click 'form.' Your new form will open up into a new tab.
2. The first box of the form is the the title of your form. Click this box and change the name of your form.
3. The second box of the form allows you to add any additional information about this form.
4. Now it is time to make your form. You have the option to create 7 types of questions. They are: Text, Paragraph Text, Multiple Choice, Check Boxes, Choose From A List, Scale, and Grid.
5. Select the Question Type you want. The most common types are Text and Multiple Choice. The section called 'Question Title' is where you put the question you want asked. If this question has to be answered for your form, make sure you check the box that says 'Make this a required question.'
6. To add a question, click the Add Item tab in the upper left-hand corner, or move your cursor the white area below the vanilla section where you created your question, and three boxes pop up. The pencil will create a new blank question template for you. The trashcan will delete a question and the overlapping squares will duplicate the type of question you have made.
7. Once you have finished making your questions, click SAVE in the top right-hand corner.
8. Then, click the published form link at the bottom of the page. This will bring you to the live form. Copy and paste the URL where you would like your form to be posted so that users can click the link and take the form.
9. Your form will be located on your home page. Click the form to see the results!
Document - Tablet Version
1. Open the App. (Sign-in if necessary)
2. From home screen, in the upper right-hand corner, click the '+' sign.
3. Click 'New Document.'
4. Title your document.
5. You an now manipulate the document much like using the desktop/laptop version.
6. Once you are finished, click DONE in the upper left-hand part of the screen. Then click close to go to your home screen.
7. From the home screen, the right of your document, click the arrow. Then click the '+' to give someone access to this file.
8. Type the email address of whom you want to have access.
9. You now know the basics of the Documents and Forms!!!!
Original Artifact of Tool or App (created by someone in your house)
View File
Edit File
Classroom Uses for Tool or App
Student UsesTeacher Uses